CHENANGO COUNTY – With local high school sports teams preparing for the fall season, state legislators have taken steps to ensure the safety and well-being of young athletes on and off the field.

New legislation has been signed that makes coaches in New York State mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. Like faculty, administration and school staff, coaches who are paid employees of a school district are now required to report suspected abuse. And just as any mandated reporter, coaches will be protected from civil liability resulting from reports that are proven unfounded.

The new law will also require coaches who hold or apply for a temporary coaching license or professional coaching certificate to fulfill two hours of training to identify and report child abuse and maltreatment.